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Under H.L. Roberts in the 1930’s the park started to get a family friendly reputation as thousands of people flocked to the park from across the country and live music was played from the likes of Hank Williams Jr and Conway Twitty.

The Bedford Boys were an infantry battalion group from the Virginia National Guard who got their start during peace time.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, we’re embarking on a journey to celebrate the rich history of the place we call home.

Eleanor Roosevelt's link to Southwest Virginia comes alive through a dress at the Grayson County Historical Society - made possible by one teacher's bold request.

Washington provided stock to the fledgling Liberty Hall Academy, laying the groundwork for the institution's survival.

To this day, it remains unclear who fired the first shot — whether it was Floyd Allen’s son, the sheriff, or someone else.

Roanoke is remembering the Burrell Memorial Hospital, a health care center founded during segregation.

In 1997, women courageously broke tradition at Virginia Military Institute, reshaping its legacy and pioneering new paths in leadership.

While America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, Roanoke is remembering Virginia Lee, a librarian whose protection of Black literature helped sustain Roanoke’s community through segregation and beyond.

A state historical marker at the corner of Gilmer Avenue and Gainesboro Road honors Edward Dudley, a Roanoke native who became the United States’ first Black ambassador and built a remarkable career as a civil-rights lawyer, diplomat, and jurist.

In 1968, the Virginia Military Institute took a monumental step by becoming the last public higher education institution in Virginia to integrate.